The Heart of Our Community

Veterans to receive free dental care

Hires Dental Care, 3951 W. Sylvania Ave., will host its 10th annual Stars, Stripes & Smiles® event on Friday, May 10. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit event offers free dental care to any area veteran. Since 2010, Stars, Stripes & Smiles® has provided nearly $220,000 in free dental treatment to 1,169 local veterans. The event is first come, first serve. Veterans may choose from a dental cleaning, filling, or extraction. Registration begins at 8 am and the last patients will be seen at 3 pm. Guests needing treatment are required to bring a military/VA card and photo I.D. While veterans wait for treatment, there will be complimentary food, a deejay, raffle prizes, games, free haircuts, free chair massages and informational booths offering veteran services, including free health screenings, employment /transportation/ housing assistance, mental health information and more. “Because of the VA’s strict criteria for dental coverage, many veterans have limited or zero access to dental care,” explained Event Director Erica Emery. “Our goal during Stars, Stripes & Smiles is to alleviate any pain the patient might be experiencing, discuss additional dental treatment they may need and help them find the care they need at a suitable cost.” Guests must use the parking lot at Hope United Methodist Church, 4069 W. Sylvania Ave., and take the free ProMedica shuttle to Hires Dental Care. For more information or photos go to starsstripesandsmiles.org.